Proof that drink and drug driving ruins lives

Mr McCabe died in a road traffic collision on the B1222 between Sherburn in Elmet and Cawood in August 2011. His seven-year-old son was seriously injured in the incident but, fortunately, he survived.

Mr McCabe was three times over the drink drive limit when his Volkswagen Golf collided head-on with a Honda CRV travelling in the opposite direction.

He was at fault and his son has to live the rest of his life without his dad and is burdened with the memory of watching him die in the car next to him.

The driver and a passenger in the Honda also suffered serious, life-changing injuries in the collision.

At the inquest into Trevor’s death at Selby Magistrates’ Court today (6 December 2011) the coroner Mr Rob Turnbull recorded a verdict of accidental death.

This tragic case highlights how lives and families can be ruined by drinking – and in some cases taking drugs – before getting behind the wheel.

Mr McCabe’s loved-ones now have to rebuild their lives without him and North Yorkshire Police are urging people to remember this tragic case which starkly highlights the devastating consequences of drink and drug driving.

Firstly, I would like to pass on my sympathies to Mr McCabe’s family and friends for their loss.

However, this collision was a result of Mr McCabe having drunk so much alcohol it meant he was three times over the drink drive limit.

It was bad enough with the loss of one life, but this incident has had greater, far-reaching consequences. Not only have we seen life changing injuries caused to others involved in this collision, but there is the psychological effect it has had on many others which will last a very long time.

Most disturbingly of all, Mr McCabe’s seven-year-old son was a passenger in the car that dreadful day and he suffered serious injuries. Apart from the physical trauma, we can only imagine what this child is going to remember for the rest of his life, after being in that car while his dad died next to him.

This is tragic in the extreme and my heart goes out to this boy and his loved ones. I just hope he can start to rebuild his life after this most devastating of experiences.

On the day this happened Mr McCabe was irresponsible and selfish, thinking only of himself. He had no consideration for his actions as he continued to drink before he drove.

It is a simple thing that we ask – don’t drink and drive – if not for yourself, think of what effect it can and does have on others.